The Spice & Tea Exchange® is a fast-growing reseller of gourmand tea and blends, spices, gifts. “Come In and Smell the Spices!®” - not just a phrase for us. It represents passion to greet new customers and franchisees to our unique concept. We have everything from pre-made recipe kits and gifts to our expanding line teas, we also have tea bar experience! Our shop owners are very excited to share their passion and love for good flavor. In 2008 The Spice & Tea Exchange® started franchising, now we have opened over 67 shops in 34 states.

The company was founded by talented humans who are passionate about food and life. Growing throughout the years we’ve been led by our mission: “Creating & sharing the experience of a more flavorful life.”

In our stores, we offer leaf teas, naturally-flavored sugars, spices, salts and hand-mixed seasonings, gourmands gifts in a charming atmosphere. For our guests, we create an exclusive experience when they open jars to smell the tea or sipping it in a Tea Bar or watch Spice Masters blend seasonings.

Why This Industry?

We are privileged to be in two industries at the same time by being tea and spice retailers in a time of growing demand for fresh, high-quality ingredients and beverage alternatives. Discussion about health and wellness, natural foods, variety, and transparency pushing current purchasing trends. All our products are fairly traded, high quality, and sustainable. 

Passion Makes Perfect

Our franchisees are very different but all foodies and passionate for cooking as much as the passion to create an exclusive experience for their guests. Franchising provides the flexibility whether you plan to be an owner/operator or multi-unit proprietor with the backing of a support system.

Serving You

We suppose that the key to the success of a franchise system is investing time in our franchisees. From beginning to end, our experts work with you from store development throughout your franchise lifetime. No need for culinary experience! By being part of our system you will get access to skilled field consultants, in-house and on-site operations training, online training, and education libraries to assist you on your franchising journey.

Testimonials endorsements from past clients

“It’s hard work but fun at the same time. No two days are the same… It is so much fun talking with people about cooking and getting them excited about our products too. The quality and freshness of our products are unmatched.” – Nancy & Jerry McBrayer, Grapevine & Fort Worth, TX

“When you look back at your opening day as compared to a year later you will be amazed at the knowledge you gain and it couldn’t happen without the tremendous support of the team at the TSTE® home office and distribution center…” – Bill Oakley, Bentonville, AR

“I’m an independent business owner, but I have the backup of a great company behind me.” – Lisa Coleman, John’s Pass, FL

Vetfran Incentives

The Spice & Tea Exchange® is proud to offer qualified veterans a discount of 25% off the franchise fee.

*in participating locations.

The Spice & Tea Exchange® has been ranked among America’s finest franchises for quality, cost, growth, strength and stability:

• Entrepreneur Top 200 Food & Restaurant Franchises - #6 Retail Foods: 2018
• Franchise 500 Ranked: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
• INC 5000 Ranked: 2015, 2016
• Tampa Bay Fast 50: 2014

Our ideal franchisee has:

• Passion for cooking and dining excellence
• Desire to engage guests and talk about your passion
• Basic business management knowledge and skills with a willingness to learn
• The attitude of a team player. In a franchise model, the franchisor and your neighboring franchisees all depend on you to protect and adhere to the system standards and methods the franchise company requires
• Willingness to master the art of being a leader, motivator, planner, organizer, strategist, community figure
• And much more!

The location of your store is important to your success. It is your responsibility to find a suitable location that meets the required criteria. Our TSTE® team will work with you to identify locations with the highest possibility of success. Here are a few "key ingredients" to get started:

• We recommend between 800-1,100 square feet as an optimal store size
• Look for a location that is in a shopping/dining destination with high foot traffic; a thriving business district that attracts tourists as well as the surrounding local community. A location where people are having fun and wish to linger
• Speak with your local Chamber of Commerce or municipality about local growth and area development plans
• Look for community drivers such as art fairs, annual community events and festivals
• Create your vision for success!